Hot off the presses email this morning is a message from Eau Claire Area School District Superintendent Ron Heilmann to ECASD teachers and staff announcing his intention to ask for an early release from his contract. In short, he wants to step down. His contract was to have extended through June, 2013.

In the email, he says, “I have found my almost four years as Superintendent of Schools of the ECASD to be professionally challenging and, at the same time, satisfying.” He cites various personal reasons for his decision.

In the email Heilmann states, “The Eau Claire Area School District is an incredible place – filled with incredibly talented teachers and other staff – and filled with students and families who are second to none in Wisconsin or the nation.”